Bill Would Make It Harder For Felons To Own Guns

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The first firearms bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature this session would make it harder for convicted felons who've served their time to regain the right to own a gun.

The bill by Sen. Barb Goodwin, DFL-Columbia Heights, would eliminate the right of violent felons to petition courts for restoration of their gun ownership rights. Goodwin wants to transfer responsibility for those decisions to the Board of Pardons.

The bill is just one of what could be several proposals to change Minnesota's liberal gun laws.

Rep. Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, wants to require background checks for all Minnesota gun sales, including those at gun shows or between private parties, similar to a proposal from President Barack Obama.

Some gun rights supporters say no new restrictions will pass without a fight.

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